Is Jesus real?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament consistently pointed forward to an individual, known alternatively as the Messiah and the Servant, who would come in history to bring God’s salvation. From the promise of an offspring who would defeat the serpent (Genesis 3:15) to the pledge that all nations would be blessed through Abraham’s line (Genesis 12:3), the hope was always for a man who would arrive at the right time and place.
• As the Old Testament developed, the focus shifted to David’s royal descendants, with God promising a Son whose throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalm 89:3–4). Prophets added details about His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His mission of justice and mercy (Isaiah 42:1–4; 61:1–2), His suffering and rejection (Isaiah 53:3–6; Psalm 22:16–18), and even His vindication after death (Psalm 16:10; Hosea 6:2). Overall, these promises pointed to a real person who would be born, live, suffer, die, and rise again in the course of real history.

from the new testament

• The Gospels and letters depict Jesus as a man rooted in verifiable history. Luke placed His life within the reigns of recognized rulers and high priests (Luke 2:1–2; 3:1–2), indicating careful attention to dates and official titles. He also noted that his account was based on reports from eyewitnesses and his own diligent investigation: “just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:2–4). Therefore, Luke’s Gospel is a deliberate compilation of historical details about Jesus from eyewitness testimonies.
• Other authors also relied directly on their own eyewitness accounts. John began his letter by emphasizing direct contact with Jesus: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you” (1 John 1:1, 3a). Similarly, Peter asserted, “we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).
• All the accounts include everyday details, connecting Jesus’ ministry to specific people and locations. For example, Jesus’ family members are named, including His mother Mary and His brothers, with James later recognized as a leader in Jerusalem (Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:19). Specific towns like Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Bethany are woven throughout the narratives (Matthew 2:1; 2:23; Mark 2:1; John 11:1). Roman and Jewish officials—Herod, Pilate, Caiaphas—appear as historical figures to anchor the story (Matthew 2:1; 27:2; John 18:13). In short, Scripture isn’t written as a myth or an exaggerated legend. Every detail is rooted in reality. There is a clear, consistent sense of realism throughout the recorded life of Jesus.
• Jesus’ death and resurrection are confirmed with strong certainty. Paul stated, “he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:5–8). He made this statement at a time when his claims could be verified by the readers, naming living witnesses. The Gospels also describe encounters where the risen Jesus was seen eating and teaching His followers (Luke 24:36–43; John 21:9–14).
• Additionally, both hostile and neutral parties acknowledge the historicity of Jesus. Roman authorities interrogated Him (Luke 23:1–4). Jewish leaders plotted against Him and later opposed His followers (Mark 3:6; Acts 4:1–3). Paul appeared before governors and kings, recounting events about Jesus in legal settings (Acts 24:10–21; 26:1–29). Each of these examples assumes that Jesus was a public figure, known to society at large.
• Finally, the apostles viewed confession of Jesus’ true humanity as a test of genuine faith. John wrote, “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:2–3a). By “every spirit,” he was simply referring to people’s attitudes and beliefs about Jesus. He emphasized that it was not enough to believe certain spiritual truths about Jesus. Instead, to be saved, one must accept Jesus as both a real historical figure and the God-man who continues to live today.

implications for today

Have you ever wondered if Jesus is real? You're not alone. The people who wrote the Bible based their accounts on people who saw Him and trusted history, and even many skeptics, like Bart Ehrman, agree that Jesus’ existence is well-supported. Those early Christians knew Jesus personally—they lived near the time of His life—and many of them faced great pressure, even danger and death, because they wouldn't deny what they had seen and heard. Their deep conviction was rooted in real experiences.

Why does this matter? Because if Jesus truly lived, taught, died, and rose again, then what He claimed is incredibly important—it's something worth examining. You can bring your genuine fears, doubts, and guilt to Him because He listens, forgives, and guides. The same Jesus who changed lives in the first century still does today.

If you're not yet a believer, a simple next step is to ask God to help you see Jesus clearly and start reading about Him in the New Testament. Look at the historical details, the consistency of the stories, and the genuine change in the lives of believers around you. As you do, humbly acknowledge your need for Him, turning away from sin and trusting in Jesus. Remember, eternal life is only found in a real Jesus—because it took a real human death to make forgiveness possible for all of us.